Inside Vertiv's Data Centre Education Programme in Croatia

Croatia may be best known for tourism and its picturesque coastlines, but on the economic side its future is digital, as it strategically positions itself as an emerging digital infrastructure hub in one of Europe's fastest-growing technology sectors.

Digital infrastructure provider Vertiv and the Zagreb University of Applied Sciences (TVZ) have unveiled a specialised data centre design professional programme within TVZ’s Electrical Engineering Department.

The programme is fully funded through adult education vouchers from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ), which makes reskilling and upskilling accessible to professionals seeking careers in the data centre sector.

The initiative targets the growing demand for skilled data centre professionals in Croatia and across Europe by equipping participants with practical expertise in data centre design and construction.

Croatia's background in digital infrastructure

Croatia is an appealing choice for data centre construction as its electricity prices remain below the EU average, according to Eurostat. In an industry where electricity typically represents 40-60% of operating costs, as IEA reports, investment in Croatian data centre employment appears to be a cost-effective choice.

The Croatian government has been taking steps to develop digital infrastructure, with its National Plan for Broadband Development outlining ambitions to improve connectivity throughout the country.

Balkan countries are developing their own digital strategies, with initiatives like the Balkan Digital Highway Project aiming to improve regional connectivity.

Curriculum built around power, efficiency and safety

Designed in line with current industry requirements and the latest technologies used in critical digital infrastructure, the professional programme made by Vertiv and TVZ prioritises power systems, energy efficiency and safety.

The participants in the programme will be able to learn how to conceptualise and implement systems that meet performance and compliance standards.

Led by Associate Professor Dr. Stjepan Tvorić, Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, it connects participants with experienced Vertiv subject matter experts in electrical engineering.

Who is the programme made for?

It is intended for electrical engineers and professionals from related technical fields who want to advance their expertise, with a strong emphasis on analytical skills and modern engineering workflows.

“We are extremely pleased to have launched the Data Centre Design programme at the Department of Electrical Engineering, developed in close collaboration with Vertiv, one of the global leaders in the field of digital infrastructure,” said Dr. Tvorić.

"Participants will build competencies that are highly sought after in the job market - from designing power and cooling systems to optimising infrastructure in line with real-world standards.

"We believe that programmes grounded in real industry knowledge and experience play a vital role in preparing the next generation of professionals to shape the future of electrical and information infrastructure.”

Hands‑on experience in Rugvica

Beyond the classroom, TVZ and Vertiv have established a data centre design studio in Rugvica, where participants gain exposure to production‑grade tools and operational considerations across the full infrastructure lifecycle.

This real‑world environment strengthens the link between theoretical understanding and applied engineering.

Vedran Brzić, vice president for infrastructure solutions for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Vertiv, says: “Vertiv and the Zagreb University of Applied Sciences have built a strong long-term partnership through various joint projects.

"One of the key outcomes is the launch of a data centre design studio in Rugvica, offering students real-world experience that can be leveraged in career opportunities in a rapidly growing sector.

"We are also proud to employ skilled TVZ alumni, and also at our production facility in Rugvica, empowering local talent. Also, we are seeing strong demand for data centre professionals across all industries, and this initiative helps students gain the skills needed to meet that demand.”

The programme aims to accelerate the readiness of the next generation of critical infrastructure engineers, supporting Croatia’s role in Europe’s digital growth while offering an accessible option to those who are eligible.

Vedran adds: "One of the key outcomes is the launch of a data centre design studio in Rugvica, offering students real-world experience that can be leveraged in career opportunities in a rapidly growing sector.

"We are also proud to employ skilled TVZ alumni, and also at our production facility in Rugvica, empowering local talent. Also, we are seeing strong demand for data centre professionals across all industries, and this initiative helps students gain the skills needed to meet that demand.”

The programme aims to accelerate the readiness of the next generation of critical infrastructure engineers, supporting Croatia’s role in Europe’s digital growth while offering an accessible option to those who are eligible.